A Luxury Travel Blog

Discover Singapore by air, land, and sea with a stay at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. The hotel’s central location – on the cross-section of Marina Bay and the historic and financial districts – is ideal for easy access to the destination’s premier sights and attractions. From now until December 2009, The Fullerton is offering an Explore Singapore package for guests looking to experience historical, cultural, and entertainment activities in Singapore.

The Explore Singapore package encourages travelers to uncover the best of Singapore through pre-arranged tickets and reservations to the destination’s hottest attractions.  Also included in the package are accommodations within the spacious Quay Room level featuring picturesque views of the Singapore River and a daily breakfast buffet.

After fueling up for the day, take the destination by air, land and sea:

By Air – Take to the skies with two tickets to the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest observation wheel where unrivalled views of the city provide a new perspective from 492 feet high.

By Land – Walk the walk like a true Singaporean by strolling the city’s streets to the Peranakan Museum and the Asian Civilizations Museum, located just across the historic Cavenagh Bridge in front of the hotel. Two tickets to each museum are included in the package.

By Sea – Cruise along the Singapore River with two tickets for a traditional river boat tour where travelers can admire the varied architecture of the city which contains elements of colonial and modern styles.

A Luxury Travel Blog has teamed up with Hyatt Hotels to offer you a great chance to win one of 5 nights in any Hyatt hotel worldwide.  All you have to do to win is comment on the posts within this blog.  The five readers with the most approved comments during May 2009 will each receive a free night at a Hyatt hotel of their choosing… anywhere in the world.  (Naturally, comments need to be of a certain quality, otherwise they won’t be approved.)  So… what are you waiting for?  Have a browse of the blog – there’s literally thouands of blog entries which you can discuss - and comment away!

In Venice, Hotel Cipriani has finished a second phase of refurbishments, which included the restoration of Bar Gabbiano. Located next to the hotel’s famous swimming pool, the bar aims to become the heart of the hotel, with live music and a lively atmosphere for guests and local Venetians to meet.

Guests can choose from a large selection of cocktails, including the Cipriani’s famous Bellini. Alternatively, they may wish to indulge in a ‘Buona Notte’ cocktail, which was created for George Clooney when he stayed at the hotel after a special screening of his film ‘Good Night, Good Luck’ at the 62nd Venice Film Festival. The cocktail is a refreshing blend of diced lemon, sugar, vodka, cranberry juice, ginger and angostura bitters.

MSC Cruises has confirmed that there was an attempted attack on the MSC Melody cruise ship at the weekend, in waters near the Seychelles Islands. Thankfully, none of the attackers were able to board the ship and no injuries were sustained by any of the approximately 1,000 passengers or 500 crew members onboard. The vessel was sailing from Port Victoria in the Seychelles when Somali pirates approached the ship in a small speedboat, firing automatic weapons. MSC Cruises’ security officers fired back as the speedboat approached and the pirates quickly retreated.

The cruise operator has subsequently initiated further proactive measures in the interest of safety and security of its ship. An international security forces military vessel has been sent to escort the MSC Melody as a precaution while the ship continues on to Aqaba, Jordan, and all scheduled routes for MSC Melody have been changed effective immediately, as have the routes of ships sailing on similar itineraries.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is making its landmark entry into China with the opening of the Fairmont Beijing.  Scheduled to officially open in the summer of 2009, the Fairmont Beijing is located in Yong An Li an unrivalled position as the ‘Gate’ to Beijing’s Central Business District. Providing ease of accessibility for business or leisure travelers, the hotel is destined to become one of the city’s most celebrated addresses.

With its signature rose-gold glass curtain façade and exceptionally crafted architecture, the Fairmont Beijing offers the ultimate in presence, grandeur and elegance taking its rightful place amid the great landmarks, both modern and historic in the heart of Beijing’s downtown district.

Angsana Velavaru, located on the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll, is set to unveil new standards in resort living with the launch of its InOcean Villas in July 2009 – the first standalone collection of water villas in the Maldives not connected to an island. Perched in the middle of the Indian Ocean one kilometre away from the island of Velavaru, and boasting its own dedicated Italian restaurant, the InOcean Villas will be the first and only “floating resort” in the Maldives offering visitors a unique castaway experience.

Ranging in size from 175 to 290 square metres, each of the spacious 20 InOcean Villas, 11 Premier InOcean Villas and three Sanctuary InOcean Villas will offer guests a sense of unparalleled seclusion. Upon entry, guests will be greeted by a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean through the sliding glass doors along the living, sleeping and bath areas. Reminiscent of stylish city lofts and accented with contemporary coral designs, each two-storey villa comes with a spacious outdoor deck, an infinity pool of at least 21 square metres, and a hammock suspended over the water.

Our latest interview is with Laura Brady, President and Co-founder of Luxury Wine Tours, Inc. and Lux Wines. Luxury Wine Tours provides exquisite custom wine tours in Oregon’s bountiful Willamette Valley. Luxury Wine Tours was initially created out of a desire to bring people a unique food and wine experience that showcases Oregon’s world class Pinot Noir. Evolving from this, the idea of a Bridal Wine Registry, Lux Wines was created.  Lux Wines showcases not only Oregon wines, but wines from around the world.

What is it that you do exactly?

I create wine experiences for those who love wine.  I work with local winemakers, hotels and caterers to create luxurious unique wine tours that will result in wonderful memories.  I customize each tour to suit the interests and palates of each customer.  I also sell and market wines from around the world through our online wine store.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love designing wine tours that give people an unforgettable experience. It is so rewarding to talk to our clients at the end of the tour about the people they meet and the wines they discover.  Every client has a different idea of the perfect wine getaway, and I love the challenge of creating the right tour for each client.  I also love recommending wines to customers based on their personal tastes.  Whether I am helping a bride & groom complete their bridal registry, preparing food and wine pairings for one of Lux Wines wine clubs (especially our “Supper Club”), or assisting a customer with selecting the perfect party wines, it is fun to make the right wine match.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Hotel Danieli, Venice – The Danieli is the 14th century Palazzo Dandolo, once residence of the Doge Dandolo family.  The antique furnishings are beautiful, the views of Venice are stunning, the service is gracious – the overall experience was magical.

Waldorf Astoria, New York – New York is my favorite city and you can’t beat the Waldorf.  It has a classic charm that shows in every corner. There is nothing better than sipping a glass of Champagne before dinner while listening to someone play the Cole Porter piano and then finishing the night with a drink in the Bull & Bear – best Manhattan in Manhattan.

Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco – The accommodations are fantastic, the service is impeccable (especially the Club Level concierges).  There couldn’t be a better place to enjoy this enchanting city.  A perfect trip would combine this with a weekend trip to Ferrari-Carano’s Vinter’s Inn in Sonoma County.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

While wine tasting in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region, we were taken to a beautiful hillside restaurant.  We sat outside overlooking the rolling countryside and the chef personally served us a four course menu with perfect wine pairings.  Calamari salad, veal, homemade pasta… it was incredible.  Truly an unforgettable experience.  This day was the inspiration for Luxury Wine Tours.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Our clients’ identities are confidential.  However, I did stay at the Four Seasons Milan at the same time as the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  Our bags almost went into the Chili Pepper’s car at checkout, but I guess that wouldn’t have been so bad because we all shared the cabin on our flight home from Milan.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

A yacht cruise in the Mediterranean.

Thank you, Laura. It’s been a pleasure to learn more about what you do and great to get to hear your recommendations.

Suite name: Fairway Villa
Hotel: Wynn Las Vegas, USA
Size of accommodation: 3,224 sq ft
Cost per night: $1,350
What makes it special? Nestled along the Wynn Country Club, the villa offers beautiful natural views of the golf course with lakes and waterfalls all reflected in a private, infinity edge pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hushed with walls upholstered in silks and carpets hand-woven to remarkable thickness and density, furnishings are of a quality seen only in the most lavish residences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conceived as a home-away-from-home and the exacting specifications, the Fairway Villas are without comparison. Luxuriously spacious, strikingly designed with extraordinary views of our exclusive golf course from your private lanai or balcony, they offer a serene counterpoint to the excitement of the resort and its many distractions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exclusivity is the most luxurious detail of this residential abode, which features dedicated concierges and VIP check-in.

Miraval Arizona, located on 400 acres at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, offers the luxury, relaxation and intimate environment one would expect from Arizona’s premier destination spa and resort.

“Life in Balance” is Miraval Arizona’s simple but powerful mission.   It’s rooted in the belief that when our physical, emotional and  spiritual sides are in balance, we naturally begin to lead more  fulfilling lives. To help guests achieve this balance, Miraval’s  highly trained teachers, advisors and guides have created over 110  signature experiences and activities. Whether it’s the weightlessness  of the Aqua Zen massage, the exhilaration of 25 foot Quantum Leap, or  an afternoon relaxing poolside, the choice is entirely yours.

From your arrival to your departure, you’ll learn that Miraval is a special place. Now, Miraval is pleased to offer The Authentic Remedy, an amazing all-inclusive vacation package. $399 a night includes three gourmet meals per day, a spa treatment or round of golf, and complete  use of resort facilities and transportation to and from the Tucson  airport.

Luxury operator Sanctuary Retreats has added a luxury villa in St Tropez to its portfolio in time for the Cannes Film Festival, which this year takes place between 13th and 24th May 2009. Sanctuary Retreats has further announced that it still has availability at three of its properties in and around Cannes during the festival.

‘Villa 7’ is a stylish villa designed in the neo-Provencal style. It has stunning views of the bay, the Alps and the village of St Tropez. The property has three ensuite bedrooms and sleeps up to six people. What’s more, ‘Villa 7’ also has a wine cellar, an outside dining terrace and a 17m heated pool set amongst the garden’s palm trees. Cannes is a short boat trip away from St. Tropez.

Along the magnificent Dolphin Coast of South Africa’s Kwa Zulu Natal province, lies the undisputed “jewel in the crown” of the east coast of Africa – Zimbali Coastal Resort. Zimbali is a breathtaking 700-hectare coastal resort situated on a pristine stretch of beach and features architecture inspired by the magnificent environment and which incorporates an Indonesian influence. Known for its lush vegetation and abundant indigenous wildlife, it is a spectacularly beautiful destination and a fine example of an environmentally sensitive South African residential resort.

In keeping with the heritage and reputation of the Fairmont name, the Fairmont Zimbali is offering an exclusive selection of luxury properties for discerning investors. This exclusive property portfolio includes:

• 6 Signature Beachfront Villas,
• 56 executive designer Apartments,
• 6 hillside Villas,
• 21 Golf Suites,
• 30 Hotel Condos,
• 25 Garden Suites and
• 99 hotel rooms comprising Kings, Queens, Suites and Royal Suites.

Experience the relaxation of a Caribbean getaway combined with epicurean delights during Culinary Experience Month at The Westin Resort, Aruba. Throughout May, the resort is offering special prix fixe and specialty menus at four different on-site restaurants. The highlight of the month is the fifth annual Aruba Wine, Food & Art Festival from Thursday 21st May through to Saturday 23rd May 2009. Foodies can enjoy two different offers, both with nightly rates starting at $189 per room.

Travellers who visit during May will enjoy the Culinary Passport Program, offering savings up to 20% for repeat diners. Those who visit during the festival can choose to forego the Passport Program, and instead receive two complimentary tickets to the 22nd May Wine & Food Pairing Exhibition.

The Culinary Passport Program enables guests to receive tiered discounts starting at five percent with the first visit, 10 percent on the second, 15 percent on the third and 20 percent for each subsequent visit at any of the resort’s participating restaurants. Venues participating in the Culinary Passport Program are: Azull, Café Baci, Pago Pago Steakhouse, The Terrace (lunch only) and room service. The discount applies to the food portion of the bill.

Wynn Las Vegas and Encore are now offering luxurious room packages that include the ultimate in fine dining, spa, entertainment and leisure offerings. From now until September, guests may book a package and experience indulgent accommodation at Las Vegas’ most exclusive address, with standard room reservations available from $169 a night. There are also five packages available that offer everything from a romantic retreat for two to a leisurely golf game on the Las Vegas Strip’s only golf course.

THE SUITE LIFE package is available for guests who book any Executive, Parlor or Salon Suite at Wynn or Encore. Located inside The Tower Suites at Wynn and Encore, all suites are attended to by a team of VIP concierges twenty four hours a day. Guests enjoy the privacy of a secluded hotel entrance and a dedicated hotel registration lounge. Also included in this package is private car service to and from the airport, two daily spa passes, complimentary high-speed internet access and complimentary long distance and local calls.

The BED AND BREAKFAST GETAWAY offers couples a two night stay in a signature Wynn resort room and a delicious gourmet breakfast at either Tableau, an award-winning modern American restaurant, or The Buffet, which features 16 live-action cooking stations. Also included in this package are day passes for two to The Spa, which includes access to a state-of-the-art health club, whirlpool spa, invigorating plunge pools and relaxation lounges all in a tranquil setting.

The ROMANTIC RETREAT package is perfect for couples looking to unwind. Guests will sleep soundly for two nights in one of Wynn’s elegant resort rooms and enjoy an intimate prix-fixe dinner for two at Stratta, which includes a bottle of Wattle Creek Pinot Noir and two premium tickets to the aquatic spectacle, Le Reve.

For those who take a more active approach to their relaxation, there is the GOLF GETAWAY package. The package includes one round of golf for two on the Strip’s only golf course, two nights in a Wynn resort room and a prix-fixe lunch for two. The Wynn Golf Club was designed by Steve Wynn and legendary course designer Tom Fazio, and features 18 holes and 7,042 yards of breathtaking landscapes.

For guests who book a pre-paid Resort Room or Tower Suites room at either Wynn or Encore, there is the DISTINCTIVE GUEST EXPERIENCE package. Guests booking a resort room will receive a one-time $75 resort credit which can be used at any location on property, and guests booking a Tower Suites room will receive $75 per night in resort credit in addition to complimentary transportation to and from the airport.

Navigating a GPS to discover desert creatures, going on a photo safari or meeting real-life explorers, the Fairmont Scottsdale is making this summer an adventure. The luxury resort in Arizona is partnering with National Geographic for the first National Geographic Explorers Camp, exclusively for its overnight guests.

From 22nd May to 7th September 2009, the camp is offering discovery-based activities for children aged 5-12, with half-day and full-day sessions. Campers trek on a “Desert Discovery” GPS treasure hunt, go on a “Photo Safari”, have fun at a “Geo Bowl” geography bee, and play on gigantic, highly-detailed maps of continents.

Best of all, eight world-renowned National Geographic explorers will share stories of their adventures on select Saturdays beginning 30th May. The speakers interact with youngsters at the day camp, then give a special presentation at a Saturday dinner for the whole family.

Summer room rates begin at $199 per room, with a daily $100 dining credit. The Explorers Camp is a la carte and prices start at $49 for a half-day session, and each camper receives a backpack. The Saturday speaker dinner is $15-$30 for kids and adults.

Now more than ever, travellers need to adhere to their budgets and prefer no surprises. They want to know that what they pay is what they see (upfront). So, in response, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers has partnered with AAA Travel to develop a no strings attached offer. The No Hidden Fees offer bundles all the necessities for a Windy City getaway by combining the most-used guest features under one clear price. Starting at just $119 per night, guests will receive high-speed Internet access (in-room or via @Link Lounge), unlimited domestic calls, valet parking and access to the state-of-the-art fitness centre. The offer is valid for travel until 7th September 2009 and must be booked by 30th June 30 2009.

The James Chicago just released a private sale you’ll receive 25% best available rates when booking at www.jameshotels.com/privatesale.  There are no minimum-stay requirements, but it’s only valid for visits booked by 25th April 2009 (for stays through until 15th September 2009).

Recognized on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, The James is centrally located on the corner of Rush and Ontario Streets – steps from Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, and various museums. The hotel features David Burke’s Primehouse, JBar lounge, The Spa by Asha, The Gym with Jim Karas Personal Training, and a business networking lounge with webcams and seasonally rotating artwork.